Turkish police have fired tear gas and water cannon at thousands of protesters in Soma near the site of a deadly mining disaster.

A crowd, reported to be up to 10,000 strong, were chanting anti-government slogans as they demonstrated in the town following the deaths of at least 298 coal miners.

The country's worst ever mining accident has lead to protests in several Turkish cities from the capital Ankara to the western city of Izmir.

Image Caption:Protesters in Soma blame the AK Party government for the mine tragedy

Anger grew as the extent of Tuesday's fire and explosion became clear.

Protests were partly directed at mine owners accused of prioritising profit over safety, and partly at Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's government, seen as too close to big business and too lax in enforcing regulations.

Mr Erdogan has also been accused of punching a demonstrator, as fresh images sparked new claims of violence against protesters angry over the government's handling of the disaster.

In Soma, people scattered into side streets as the police intervened on a commercial street lined with shops and banks, as well as the offices of the local government and labour union.

One hand-written sign among the crowd read: "No coal can warm the children of fathers who died in the mine".

The protesters had been trying to get to a statue honouring miners in the centre of the town when the route was blocked by the police.

Video:Growing Anger Aimed At Turkey PM

Fire sent carbon monoxide rushing through the mine within minutes on Tuesday but the exact cause remains unclear, the mine operator said on Friday.

Most of the 787 workers inside had oxygen masks but smoke and gas spread so quickly that many were unable to escape.